GUWAHATI: Among the 26 killed in Tuesday’s terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a young Kashmiri Muslim who worked as a pony ride operator. Shah, who ferried tourists from the car park to the scenic meadow — popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland' — was not believed to be an initial target, as he was the only Muslim who perished in the attack.
ALSO READ: LeT Commander Saifullah Kasuri Identified As Mastermind Behind Pahalgam Attack: Reports
According to reports, Shah was shot while trying to shield a tourist. Before his demise, he was also allegedly attempting to disarm one of the attackers.
The attack was carried out in broad daylight at the peak of the tourist season. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen asked for names and confirmed religious identities before opening fire on unarmed tourists. Amid the chaos, Shah’s act of bravery stood out.
His father, Syed Haider Shah, recounted the harrowing hours after the shooting. "My son went to Pahalgam for work. Around 3 PM, we heard about the attack,” he reportedly said. “We tried calling him, but his phone was switched off. It turned on briefly around 4.40 PM, but no one answered.”
“We rushed to the police station and were told he had been shot," he further said. "Whoever is responsible must face the consequences."
The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Shah’s mother, devastated by the loss, reportedly said, "He was the sole earning member of the family. Oh Allah, what have you done?"
Hundreds of mourners attended Shah’s funeral on Wednesday. Among them was Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who praised the young man’s courage. “He did not die without resistance. We’ve heard he tried to stop the attack. He likely tried to snatch a gun and was then targeted. He worked hard to earn a living. The administration will take care of his family,” Abdullah reportedly said.
